A Pennsylvania view: Habitat improvement, resource monitoring, and partner support for a regional watershed approach

The use of regional Fisheries Biologists in a habitat manager role to evaluate lotic and lenic habitat improvement projects for fish and other trust species, including native reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians, while sustaining funding and partnerships, is the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Regional Habitat Section’s modus operandi.  Resource monitoring of short and long-term consequences of habitat improvement projects to physical, biological and water quality variables are conducted annually for a select subset of habitat improvement projects to increase institutional knowledge, support partners and or meet funding reporting requirements. 
The section establishes, sustains and provides technical support to sibling work units, partners, including both public and private groups, where interest in conservation and enhancement of aquatic habitat exists, or where public fishing and boating access to Pennsylvania’s waters may be expanded.  In 2009 the Regional Biologists monitored 56 Habitat Improvement sites, advanced 50 projects with partner organizations and assisted in leveraging more than $250,000 in funding and support.